A fiendishly fun horror romp with a devilish twist

When Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight hit theaters in 1995, it marked an audacious attempt to bring the beloved HBO anthology series to the big screen. Directed by Ernest R. Dickerson, the film delivers a chaotic blend of horror and humour, staying true to the spirit of its TV predecessor while carving out its own devilishly fun niche. Fast forward 30 years, and Demon Knight remains a cult favourite, celebrated for its wild premise, bold performances, and unapologetic embrace of over-the-top mayhem.

At its core, the film thrives on its straightforward yet irresistibly bonkers narrative. Ex-soldier Frank Brayker (William Sadler) carries an ancient key imbued with the power to keep the apocalypse at bay. The key’s primary pursuer is The Collector (Billy Zane), a demon as flamboyant as he is sinister, who stops at nothing to retrieve it. Their confrontation unfolds in a dilapidated boarding house in New Mexico, where Brayker must rally the house’s quirky residents to stave off The Collector’s unholy army. It’s a setup ripe for chaos, and Dickerson leans into the inherent absurdity, crafting a movie that balances gore, humour, and genuine tension with surprising finesse.

What truly elevates Demon Knight is its ensemble cast, who bring unrestrained energy to the material. William Sadler plays the weary Brayker with a quiet gravitas that anchors the film’s more outlandish elements, while Billy Zane revels in his role as The Collector, delivering a magnetic performance that walks a tightrope between charm and menace. Jada Pinkett Smith shines as Jeryline, a reluctant hero whose arc provides the film with emotional weight. The supporting cast, including CCH Pounder and Thomas Haden Church, add layers of humour and humanity, creating a dynamic group you can’t help but root for — even when their fates are sealed by the film’s grimly delightful sense of karmic justice.

Though undeniably entertaining, Demon Knight isn’t without its flaws. The pacing occasionally stumbles, particularly in the second act, where some of the boarding house antics begin to feel repetitive. Additionally, the film’s reliance on dated special effects, though charmingly nostalgic, can occasionally undercut its darker moments. That said, the practical effects and gruesome creature designs remain impressive, a testament to the era’s craftsmanship.

As part of the Tales from the Crypt brand, Demon Knight stands out for its ability to expand the series’ trademark mix of camp and horror into a feature-length format. It doesn’t shy away from its ridiculous premise but rather leans into it with gusto, resulting in a film that knows exactly what it is: a pulpy, gruesome, and darkly comedic thrill ride. Its legacy endures not because it redefined horror but because it embraced the genre’s possibilities with unapologetic glee.

Three decades later, Demon Knight holds up as a delightful slice of mid-‘90s horror fun. While it may not reach the heights of genre-defining classics, it succeeds in delivering a wildly entertaining experience that celebrates the outlandish and grotesque. For fans of horror that doesn’t take itself too seriously, it’s a “deadtime story” worth retelling.”

• Saul Muerte